Purchasing turf, often called sod, is a fast and effective method for establishing a lush, mature lawn almost instantly. Accurate measurement of your project area is paramount because ordering too much turf results in costly waste, while under-ordering can lead to inconvenient project delays and potential color mismatches. Determining the precise amount of material required involves a systematic approach that moves from physical measurement to mathematical calculation and, finally, to an adjustment for practical purchasing realities.
Measurement Fundamentals
Before any calculation can begin, the physical boundaries of the installation area must be clearly established. A heavy-duty tape measure, stakes, and string or landscape marking paint are necessary tools. The entire area intended for new turf must be measured, ensuring all dimensions are recorded in feet for consistency in subsequent calculations.
It is best practice to measure the length and width of the space multiple times to minimize the risk of measurement error. For spaces with distinct boundaries, place stakes at the corners and run a string line between them to visualize the perimeter clearly. This process ensures the recorded measurements accurately reflect the maximum extent of the area to be covered.
Calculating Area for Standard and Irregular Spaces
Once the raw measurements are collected, the next step is to convert those linear figures into total square footage, the metric by which turf is bought and sold. For simple shapes, such as a square or rectangle, the area is found by multiplying the measured length by the measured width. For example, a rectangular space 40 feet long and 25 feet wide requires 1,000 square feet of coverage (40 ft x 25 ft).
Calculating the area for non-rectangular sections requires applying different geometric formulas. A triangular section requires the formula of one-half multiplied by the base and the height (0.5 x Base x Height). For circular areas, the necessary formula is Pi (approximately 3.14) multiplied by the radius squared (πr²).
For complex or irregularly shaped yards, the “divide and conquer” method is the most accurate approach. This technique involves breaking the entire space down into a series of smaller, distinct geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles, and triangles. The area of each individual subsection is then calculated using the appropriate formula. Summing the area of all the smaller sections provides the total raw square footage needed for the entire project.
Accounting for Waste and Roll Dimensions
The raw square footage calculated represents the minimum amount of turf required, but it does not account for the practical realities of installation. A buffer of extra material, known as the waste factor, must be added to cover cuts, shaping, and potential trimming errors. For simple, straight-edged installations, adding a 5% waste factor is sufficient to avoid shortages.
For complex spaces featuring numerous curves, obstacles, or intricate landscaping beds, increase the waste factor to between 7% and 10%. This adjustment means multiplying the total square footage by 1.05 for a 5% buffer or 1.10 for a 10% buffer.
The final step is translating this adjusted total square footage into the number of rolls or pallets to order, based on the supplier’s packaging. Sod is commonly sold in small rolls covering approximately 9 to 10 square feet or on pallets covering a larger area. To determine the quantity, divide the final required square footage (including the waste factor) by the coverage area of the supplier’s specific roll or pallet size. Confirm the exact dimensions and coverage area with the local supplier before placing the order, as these specifications can vary widely.